Seaside camping at Bretignolles-sur-Mer
stay 2 km from the beach
From our Le Cabestan campsite in Brétignolles-sur-Meryou have easy access to Bretignolles-sur-Mer’s 13 kilometers of coastline, from the Jaunay dunes to the Havre de la Gachère. This diversity is what makes a stay at our seaside campsite in the Vendée so special: every day, you can choose the beach that suits you best.
Camping Cabestan, your stopover close to the ocean
Located in the immediate vicinity of the beachesof Bretignolles-sur-Mer, the Cabestan campsite offers easy access to the beach in 5minutes by car, 10 minutes by bike or 20 minutes on foot.
This proximity means you can take advantage of the seaside, without the constraints of distance or parking worries, and roam between fine sand, wild coves and coastal paths.
The Bretignolles coastline alternates between fine sandy beaches perfect for children, famous surf spots, rocky coves for observing marine fauna and protected dunes classified Natura 2000.
Some beaches offer lively bars and restaurants, while others are wild and quiet. Our oceanfront campsite in Bretignolles-sur-Mer lets you change your spot depending on the mood of the day.
The 6 beaches of Bretignolles-sur-Mer: which one to choose?
Bretignolles-sur-Mer (Bréti to its friends) has six supervised beaches in summer, each with its own character. Here’s our detailed guide to choosing the beach that’s right for you. Get out your swimsuits and sun cream, here are some of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte de Lumière!
Plage de la Parée: a lively family atmosphere
Plage de la Parée is the beating heart of Bretignolles-sur-Mer. It’s the closest beach to our campsite, just 10 minutes away by bike. Located in the liveliest part of the town, it’s home to bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment for the whole family.
Why choose La Parée?
- Large, flat stretch of fine sand (ideal for young children)
- Supervised swimming in summer
- Numerous beachfront restaurants and bars
- Carousel and children’s entertainment
- Friendly vacation atmosphere
Cabestan’s advice: arrive early in the morning to enjoy the peace and quiet and find a good seat, or come late in the afternoon for the festive atmosphere and lunch on the terrace overlooking the ocean.
Plage de la Sauzaie: the benchmark surf spot
La Sauzaie beach is recognized as one of the best surf spots on the Vendée coast. The waves are regular and powerful, attracting both experienced surfers and beginners supervised by local surf schools.
The assets of Sauzaie :
- Famous surf spot with optimal conditions
- Launching dock for kayaks and paddles
- Supervised swimming in July and August
- Crossed by the Corniche trail and the GR8
- Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean
- Spectacular sunsets
Cabestan’s tip: in the late afternoon, the Sauzaie offers a free and memorable spectacle. The surfers emerge from the water, the light turns golden, and it’s the perfect time for a stroll along the Corniche path.
Marais-Girard beach: tranquility and playground
Located at the entrance to the Corniche de Brétignolles, along the Avenue de la Grande Roche, the Marais-Girard beach attracts regulars who appreciate its neighborhood beach atmosphere and children’s play area right on the seafront.
The advantages of Marais-Girard :
- A friendly, family atmosphere
- Supervised swimming in summer
- Playground for the children
- Nearby shops and restaurants
- Fishing at low tide
Cabestan’s tip: perfect for parents with young children who want to alternate supervised swimming and play without having to travel far.
Plage de la Normandelière: sailing school and crêperie
La Normandelière beach combines a family beach with water sports activities. It has a slipway, a municipal sailing school (catamaran, windsurfing, wave-skiing, sailing, optimist), a playground and picnic tables.
What makes the difference at La Normandelière :
- Sailing school with courses for all levels
- Launching slipway for light craft
- Summer first-aid post
- A very good crêperie with panoramic terrace facing the sea
- Accessibility PMR
Le Cabestan’s tip: take advantage of the sailing school in the morning to introduce your children to sailing, then join us for lunch on the terrace for a caramel beurre salé crêpe or a galette chèvre miel.
Plages des Dunes 1 and 2: unspoilt nature, surfing and kitesurfing
To the south of Bretignolles, the Dunes beaches mark a return to nature. Dunes 1 is bordered by a protected wild dune belt and hosts four surf schools for lessons and equipment rental.
Dunes 2, in the extension, offers the most peaceful setting, with its shaded picnic area in the heart of the pine forest.
Why choose Les Dunes?
- Wild dune classified Natura 2000
- 4 surf schools in Dunes 1 (north)
- Kitesurfing spot at Dunes 2 (south)
- Unspoilt natural ambience
- Picnic area under the pines at Dunes 2
Cabestan’s tip: the Dunes site is perfect for those seeking calm and nature. Pack a picnic and take advantage of this idyllic setting to escape the hustle and bustle of the seaside.
Water sports in Bretignolles and seaside walks
Our seaside campsite in Bretignolles opens the door to a wide range of water sports. Local schools offer courses and equipment hire for surfing, paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking, to suit all levels.
Surf
- Schools at Dunes 1: Atlantic Lézard (from age 6, handisurfing), Bréti Surfschool (video coaching), Breteam (clubs/children), Ombak (level courses).
- Spot: Sauzaie for advanced riders (powerful waves, rocks).
- Prices: €35-50/2h; online booking, packed in summer.
Tip: Morning for calm waves, equipment provided.
Sail
- École municipale Normandelière: Optimist, catamaran, windsurfing from age 6 (year-round).
- Rates: Kayak 14€/h, catamaran 52€/h, course 57-61€/day.
- Options: Loc’Voile card for off-season discounts.
Tip: Check wind, Wednesday/Saturday courses outside summer.
Paddle and Kayak
- Rentals: Normandelière (14€/h), Dunes 1 (surf schools), cale Sauzaie.
- Options : Paddle beginners, double kayak 21€/h, supervised outings.
- Safety: Marked areas compulsory.
Tip: Arrive early for availability.
Fishing on foot
- Zones: Rocky Sauzaie/corniche at low tide (coeff. >70).
- Species: Periwinkles, mussels; mandatory legal sizes.
- Times: 2h before/after low tide. See tide times
Walking and cycling routes
Looking for fresh air and escape in the Vendée? On foot or by bike, Bretignolles-sur-Mer can be discovered to the rhythm of exceptional landscapes. Between cliffs, protected dunes and breathtaking views of the Atlantic, the Corniche, the GR8 and the Vélodyssée offer itineraries accessible to all to explore the Vendée coastline and enjoy an unforgettable nature experience.
The Corniche trail and the GR8
For hiking enthusiasts , the Corniche trail runs for around 3 kilometers along the ocean, offering superb panoramic views of the Atlantic. This boardwalk crosses a listed site and runs alongside the protected Sauzaie dunes.
The GR8, with its distinctive red and white markings, passes through Bretignolles and offers 221 km of routes along the Vendée coastline for longer hikes.
Cycling the Vélodyssée
Cyclists enjoy the Vélodyssée (EuroVelo 1), which passes through Bretignolles-sur-Mer. This stage links Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie to Les Sables-d’Olonne (approx. 37 km), via dunes, beaches and forests.
Our campsite by the sea in the Vendée offers bike hire so you can explore these routes in complete freedom.
A typical day at a seaside campsite in Bretignolles
8:30 am – Wake up to a quiet morning at
Café on your private terrace while the campsite slowly wakes up. You decide which beach you’ll visit today: crab hunting at La Parée, surfing at La Sauzaie or peace and quiet at Les Dunes?
9:30 am – Departure for the beach
Loading of bikes with towels, sun cream and picnic prepared the day before. Pleasant ride on cycle paths, 10 minutes maximum to any beach.
10am – Set up on the sand
Umbrella planted, towels unrolled, cooler in the shade. The kids are already running to the water while you set up camp. Swimming is supervised from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in high season, so you can enjoy your time in complete peace of mind.
12:30 – Lunch overlooking the ocean
Picnic on the sand or lunch on the terrace of a local restaurant. Grilled sardines and moules-frites are Vendée specialties not to be missed.
2pm – Afternoon activities
A new swim, a paddle session, surfing lessons for the more adventurous, a stroll along the coastal paths, or a siesta in the shade of an umbrella. Everyone finds their own vacation rhythm.
5pm – Back at the campsite
A well-deserved shower, then off to the heated pool. The pleasantly warm water feels good after the sometimes chilly ocean. The children love the paddling pool.
7:30 pm – Dinner with no strings attached
The campsite foodtruck offers generous dishes to enjoy on your terrace. No cooking, no washing up, just enjoy the evening with your family.
9pm – Relaxation evening
Depending on the day, there’s entertainment at the campsite or a quiet evening under the stars in Vendée. That’s what camping by the sea is all about.